Since I first started traveling with Leila when she was 2 1/2 years old, I have picked up a few must haves along the way along with Finlee traveling since she was 1 month old as well. These are my must haves when traveling with children & toddlers from my experience.
I think as a family of 4, we have traveled together maybe 3 times and I travel by myself with the girls at minimum 3 times a year. So I feel I’m kind of an expert at solo travel with kiddos and toddlers and navigating an airport, flight, rental car situations and getting to a destination by myself.
So here’s what I’d recommend you bring along for the flight and for making your life easier during travel with your kiddos either by yourself or with help. You will not regret adding these items to your packing list.
10 Travel Essentials For Kids
I highly recommend packing all of the clothes you can in as few bags as possible.
This is so you can get baby and kiddos to and from safely, but if the kiddos are old enough to carry their own, have them do that. If you can wear a baby carrier for your baby and toddler, this helps immensely in freeing up your hands.
Another thing, if you can rent a car seat or have someone bring one to pick you up with it, that makes life so much easier.
If not, I have a car seat backpack that we pack both carseats into and I wear as a backpack. Here’s the one I use and recommend except mine is black and not red. I also have on this page a dolly of sorts that I tried to use in the past, and for me, it took away one hand because you have to pull the dolly and at the time I was trying to pull luggage and a stroller and hold another toddler’s hand, so I didn’t like it. But maybe it will work for you!
If you have older kids, like teenagers, maybe they can help carry some of the items like stuffed animals, travel pillows, diaper bags, water bottles, etc to help take off some of the weight from you.
Next and favorite recommend for toddlers and above is a backpack that has a ‘leash’ on it.
Listen, it may not be super ideal, but when you have a runner like my youngest, you will appreciate this. Here’s the one I found on Amazon and it’s big enough for her iPad, snacks, and a few of her must have toys. Oh! and it has a chest strap that snaps like the car seat so it can’t be removed when those awesome temper tantrums come and they try to take it off but can’t! Don’t leave home without this, either via airport travel, in the car, or sometimes going to a festival here in town. The best option there is!
This works great as a carry on bag for them and also for you if you end up having to carry the toddler, or place the bag under your seat with your item. This type of bag also makes car rides easy because you can grab the strap and pull it if needed while driving.
Activities For Kids On Plane
I try not to let them get their iPads out before we get on the plane because I want them to get out a bit of energy if possible. And to have a charge on them when we can’t move anymore. I recommend also taking them to get some headphones for the iPad or game system. Because no one wants to hear a super loud kids movie the whole flight!
I let them pick them out because they tend to like them better if they get to choose their own and take better care of them too 🙂
We limit screen time to the flight starting during takeoff and landing because it usually distracts them when it might otherwise cause some discomfort.
This might seem a bit silly, but I ALWAYS have them pack a pillow and blanket for the flight.
I know that Steve is always hot when he travels, but I’m always freezing. I have the kiddos wear or take long sleeves so they can adjust if they get too hot. The other reason I do this is because I try to book flights when I know they will sleep –like nap time or an evening or later night flight. I don’t like to book early morning flights because they usually sleep all night and then are awake the whole flight (unless it’s Leila who NO MATTER when we fly, usually falls asleep before we even take off the ground). But sometimes you can’t help it.
Another tip I will add is if it’s late when you will get in or an early morning flight, put them in their pajamas, either right before you board the plane, or before you get to the airport as it makes for an easier time when you get to the hotel room.
I always pack snacks for them so they can eat or not eat if they choose.
I also let them go pick out a snack or drink before we get on the flight so they get to have something special for the flight and it makes travel day fun! Eating is one of the best airplane activities for kids because it keep their jaws moving through the assent and descent and while it doesn’t occupy them for a long time, Like I mentioned in the beginning, our family travel, is usually the girls and I.
As I’m updating this post, the girls are now 11 and almost 11, and we actually travel as a full family much more, and no longer need a ton of baby/toddler items. Traveling with kids versus toddlers is much easier because I can use packing cubes for our family trip and put them in their own bigger bags.
On this same note, I try to hit up the Target dollar section a few days prior to us traveling to pack a few surprises for them that they get to do on the flight.
Sometimes it’s flashcard puzzles for Finlee or the magic coloring things with the magic markers that don’t make a mess on anything but the paper. It just depends on what’s available but usually I like to get those things that are little and cheap and keep them busy when they don’t sleep. It works well on the rest of the trip too as they can do them in the car on road trips or the hotel, etc.
You can find inexpensive plan activities like this at the dollar store, the Target dollar section like I did, Wal-mart, and more. Look for travel games kid’s love, like card games, coloring books, dry erase boards, activity books, and small toys with minimal or no small parts.
The last thing I have them pack in their backpacks or in mine is a cup with a lid and straw for travel.
It makes it easier when we go places to have a cup to put water in so we aren’t all sharing the same bottle of water, or juice drink. And it works much better in car seats and sometimes the hotel so things aren’t spilled in cramped quarters. I think it alleviates some stress for everyone because we know who’s drink is who’s and how much they have had and if we really need to stop for the 15th time to go to the bathroom…. am I right?!
Drop your travel essentials for kids below!
Finally, I find that the more calm and less stressed I am about traveling, the better the kids are with everything. If I am stressed at any point, the girls then get stressed and act accordingly. So, after some much learned trial and error, and sometimes forgetting, I’ve learned to let lots of things that would normally get to me, go when traveling with the girls. I also have noticed that whenever we travel as a family with Steve, if he’s stressed or trying to deal with work issues, it doesn’t affect the kids as much as if I’m the one who’s stressed or in a bad spot.
Just my experience and thoughts with traveling with my girls as I do so most of the time by myself. If you have any tips or input as to things you do, I’d love to add to my toolbox in the comments!
Once your children are born, you get this sense like it’s the completion of the vacation time in your life. Or that the vacation is going on for a longer time because caring for a little kid is not a stress-free task. I know the feeling. On the other hand though, you can totally relax and plan a trip with your little, because traveling with a kiddo is not as problematic as you might imagine. It’s just something that can easily be built up in your head. All you need to do is make the accurate preparations and plan in advance to make sure an entertaining and stress-free trip with your child(ren) and other family members.
As a mama who travels quite a bit by herself with her girls, I can speak first hand to how important some of these things are in ensuring the trip goes smoothly.
Important Tips if You Plan to Travel with Kids
Here are some useful tips for traveling to help you plan for smart travel with your kids and have a carefree vacation. Whether you’re flying across the country or going on one of your yearly road trips to a national park, these tips will come in handy for all types of family travel. From infants to older children.
1) ALWAYS MAKE YOUR PLANS AND RESERVATIONS WELL AHEAD OF
TIME
It is necessary to plan well in advance and have your travel and hotel room or other accommodation reservation confirmed before embarking on your trip when traveling with an infant. This will, of course, allow you to reduce your stress and feel reassured when you start your journey. Especially with your little baby. Plan your route considering your baby’s schedule, such as their nap, playtime, etc. If you’re traveling on a plane, remember that you can totally bring your child’s car seat which makes for easier travel. Don’t forget you can check strollers as well. More on being a responsible traveler, here.
2) CHOOSE THE IDEAL DESTINATIONS FOR KIDS
When planning to travel with a kid, look for places like a beach retreat, family-friendly and scenic resorts, or other similar kid-friendly places. Avoid crowded and noisy tourist destinations, as these present a challenge when you have a little kid lying around. A calm and peaceful environment helps soothe babies. If you want to do something with your kiddos that may not be as acceptable for them, maybe take them to the place after they have had a nap or when their moods or ages are appropriate for the surroundings.
3) TAKE CARE TO FEED YOUR LITTLE CHILD AT THE TIME OF LANDING
AND TAKE-OFF
If you are planning to travel with your kids, here is an important tip you require to follow to keep your little one’s jaws functioning and their ears to modify altitude during the flight. It will also help keep him calm and comfortable moderately than irritable, short-tempered, and distressed at the time of take-off and landing. Always packs snacks, but if you forget, you can ask the flight attendant for a list of children’s snacks.
4) BE ADAPTABLE IN YOUR SCHEDULES
While planning well is imperative, you are still not aware of how your kid will adjust to their different surroundings on your trip. Even older kids. You may therefore need to modify your schedules to take into account your kid’s new schedule. Your child might be bored sitting for longer periods. So keep your route simple. Make your plans adaptable, so it’s much simpler to make last-minute alterations if your kid is tired. This goes right along with tip #2 in that if you want to go somewhere on your agenda, be flexible that maybe your time will be cut short. Or you may have to switch days in attending.
5) SWITCH TO YOUR CHILD’S ROUTINE
Kids get bad-tempered when open to their new surroundings. So be sure to respect your little one’s routine. Assume your child is used to taking a bath, being rocked by a soft cradle song, and cuddling in a bottle. Never diverge from this routine. This will assist her/him in calm down and feel more comfortable. Be mindful if you are switching time zones when traveling and if you will be experiencing jet lag. Adults tend to be able to handle their emotions and tempers when tired better than kids. And time zones play a big part in this around times of sleep. If you are traveling to a place which is 3 hours different than your home time, make reservations earlier or later in the day to accommodate the schedule of your child, not only your own.
6) BRING SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE TOYS AND ALSO BRING SOME NEW ONES
Small kids may feel that they are far from their familiar surroundings. And become quite irritable to new atmospheres while traveling. Carrying a few of their desired toys is a great support to help them adjust to their new surroundings. And certainly has a soothing effect on them. It would also be an excellent indication to go shopping for some new and innovative toys that your child has not played with until now.
Storing them up for your trip is a great idea. As a different toy will automatically grab your child’s attention and keep them occupied for a while until the novelty wears off. One of my favorite places to grab new items for travel is the Target dollar section. It’s super easy to stock up on new items they can use when traveling. And I don’t mind if we lose an item or two. So when you’re making your packing lists, especially when traveling with children, make snacks and toys a priority. As well as a first aid kit for emergencies. More travel must-haves, here.
7) LET YOUR CHILDREN KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY DURING TRAVEL
This tip is more for older children than infants, but still important to note. During travel, your children should know the importance of safety during travel. So, its a good idea to have a talk with your children and lay down some travel ground rules. These might include checking in often, staying close to family, avoiding wandering off, letting you know when they need to use the bathroom, when they’re hungry, and so on. This is not something meant to scare your children, but more to educate them on the danger of large crowds and new places, and the importance of keeping everyone safe, sound, and stress-free.
8) KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR KIDDOS
As a parent, I don’t have to tell you how important it is to keep an eye on your kiddos throughout your vacation. No matter how good of a parent you are, children can easily get lost in busy airports, crowded amusement parks, and hustling and bustling tourist destinations. So, here are a few tips to help you keeps your kids close.
First, dress your child in easily identifiable clothing. In a color you can remember. This will help you quickly find your child in a crowd. If both parents are present, designate times in which that parent is responsible. This way the other parent can take breaks here and there. Never leave your child unattended. Always make sure they are with a family member, especially if you step away for the restroom. If no one else is around, take your child to the restroom with you. Designate check-in times with older children throughout the day. And also, take a photo of your child(ren) each morning. This way, just in case your child does wander off, you can easily show authorities what your child looks like, and what they were wearing.
9) LISTEN TO YOUR CHILDREN
Throughout your vacation, remember to check-in with your children on an emotional level. Being away from home and possibly out of normal routine can be stressful on children. Even if you are having a wonderful family vacation, it could be taking a toll on your children.
Check-in, make sure all their needs are met, and ensure your children are doing ok. Take some time to reflect on the activities you are doing and ensure your child is getting plenty of fun and excitement out of the vacation. Even if you feel like they won’t remember the vacation because they are too young, its still important to ensure they are having a good, stress-free time. When your children get what they need during vacation, they will be much more likely to enjoy travel and exploring new cultures in the future. They are also much more likely have a more positive outlook on life.
Share your travel tips below!
Do you have any tips to share about traveling with children? As a couple? Or even as a solo traveler? Drop them below! For more on all things travel and living your best life, check out the blog.
Turqouise-toned water and white sandy beaches are probably the first images that pop to mind when you think of Hawaii. But did you know there’s a whole lot more to the Aloha State than meets the eye?
If you usually prefer exploring rather than spending days lounging on the beach, you’ll love to know that Hawaii is a haven for a ton of varied activities that range from hiking over volcanoes to chasing waterfalls and walking over Jurassic Park-like settings.
If you’re currently busy planning the places you want to see in Hawaii and find yourself struggling to decide what to see and do, I’ve put together a list of seven of the most amazing things to do in Hawaii, including Hawaiian destinations that absolutely need to be on your bucket list.
Amazing Things to Do in Hawaii
1. See the largest waterfall in Hawaii at Akaka Falls State Park
Set just outside the mesmerizing town of Hilo on the Big Island, Akaka Falls State Park is home to the tallest waterfall in Hawaii at a height of a whopping 442 feet!
In order to reach the falls, you’ll need to follow a short trail for about thirty minutes inside the forest. Even though the trail is short, it doesn’t lack when it comes to beautiful natural encounters. Including wild orchids, groves of bamboo, walls blanketed by ferns, and even a smaller waterfall.
2. Explore the NaPali Coast State Wilderness Park
Located on the beautiful North Shore of the island of Kauai, NaPali is an insanely beautiful stretch of a 16-mile coastline where you will find landscapes that look as though they came straight out of the Jurassic Era.
If you’re the adventurous type, you’ll love spending time exploring inside the park by hiking a few of its many trails. But you can also see its highlights from a distance by joining a boat tour or hopping on a helicopter for a birds-eye view!
3. Experience the nature around Hilo
Being the capital of the Big Island, you would expect Hilo to be filled with hustle and bustle. But this city actually harbors a pretty laid back vibe and calm atmosphere.
As you explore the city, you’ll be able to enter a few museums, check out the zoo, or simply stroll through its streets to admire the many historical buildings that dot the town.
Hilo, however, is more of a gateway than a destination. Especially for those keen to experience the lush nature that surrounds this area of the Big Island. From here, you can hop over to a ton of wonderful destinations that guarantee unbeatable outdoor experiences. Which range from trekking volcanoes, hiking to waterfalls, and traversing the lush rainforest.
4. Visit Pearl Harbor
Visiting Pearl Harbor is a sort of rite of passage for any visitor to Hawaii. Especially when you consider it the place where one of the most crucial events in the history of the United States took place.
Whether you’re a history buff or not, visiting Pearl Harbor is a wonderful way to step back in time in order to understand the events that took place here during World War II. Moreover, you will also be able to pay homage to the victims of the war.
After learning about Pearl Harbor, you can also hop on a naval boat and visit the USS Arizona Memorial Center. Which was constructed over the remains of the USS Arizona battleship. The memorial was built as a place where visitors can honor the lives of those who perished in battle against the Japanese Naval Forces when Pearl Harbor was attacked.
Make sure you check the times the boat is available for the tour. We didn’t and just showed up at Pearl Harbor and the tour was already completed for the day. Even though Pearl Harbor quite some time ago, it was still a sobering experience. And it was nice to be able to take Steve’s mom and Grandma who was born a few years after the bombing took place.
5. See the beauty of Waipio Valley
More commonly nicknamed the “Valley of the Kings”, Waipio Valley is a wonderful place to visit in Hawaii if you want to explore one of its most emblematic natural landmarks as well as get glimpses into its royal past.
Waipio was once one of the most important centers for political and religious lives in Hawaii. Kings once resided in the valley, which makes it an interesting place to be to get an idea of what life in the Hawaiian monarchy was like back in the day.
6. Polynesian Cultural Center
One of the aspects that make Hawaii stand out from the rest of the United States is that, even though it’s officially a part of it, its residents still stay loyal to their Polynesian heritage and culture.
The Polynesian Cultural Center was created in order to keep the heritage and spirit of the Pacific Islands alive. While visiting, you’ll get the chance to learn all about the Polynesian region by strolling through villages, checking out natural areas. And taking part in activities and entertainment with a cultural focus in mind.
Plus, the Polynesian Cultural Center hosts some of the best luaus in Hawaii!
7. Tour a Kona Coffee Farm
The Kona region on the Big Island is world-renowned for its excellent coffee production. And there’s no better way to get acquainted with the area’s coffee culture than by visiting the place it comes from.
If you want to learn all about Kona Coffee, you can actually visit the farm it comes from. Where artisan farmers will tell you all about their process, starting from seed to coffee mug! We always go to a coffee farm or get coffee as a souvenir when traveling to any of the Hawaiian Islands. But the coffee farms in Kona are a real treat!Â
Which of these destinations are you most excited to visit in Hawaii? I’d love to know which one you’re looking forward to visit the most, so tell me all about it in the comment section below!
If you’re in the planning stages of your vacation to the Aloha State, chances are you’re feeling pretty daunted with the number of options available, especially when it comes to beautiful beaches worth checking out.
Hawaii’s coastline is absolutely dreamy and pretty extensive, which pretty much means you can’t really go wrong when it comes to deciding what beach to head to next. One thing you definitely need to keep in mind, though, is that where you ultimately decide to go will depend entirely on your interests and overall travel style.
Whether you’re traveling with small kids, want to spend a day surrounded by luxury, or prefer to mix things up and combine a beach day with time out in nature, Hawaii is guaranteed to please. Below is a list of the best beaches to visit in Hawaii!
The Most Beautiful Beaches in Hawaii
1. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
If what you’re after is a spot that combines beach time and nature, look no further than Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on the island of Oahu.
Located only thirty minutes away from Honolulu, Hanauma is a perfect place to head to in order to escape the bustle and hustle of the city without straying too far away from the city’s amenities.
While here, you can spend the day snorkeling through its glass-shaped bay. Where chances of spotting Honus (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) from a close distance are pretty high as they love swimming close to the shore.
After you’re done exploring the surface, you can continue scouring the preserve on foot by following the Koko Bay Trail, which will take you all the way up to a volcanic crater!
2. Wailea Beach
Love luxury and want a chic place to hang out for a day? If a resort vibe sounds like your jam, Wailea Beach is a must on your plans.
Wailea Beach is actually not only ranked as one of the best beaches in Hawaii. But it also often makes it to the top beaches in the world. Amenities are aplenty at Wailea, including cabanas, bars, and food. This means all you really have to worry about during your visit is choosing what bikini to wear.
Another highlight of Wailea is that it offers a wide array of activities. Including snorkeling, body surfing, and boogie boarding in case you feel like getting out into the ocean.
Plus, Wailea is considered a prime spot to catch sights of migrating whales during the winter months!
3. Lanikai Beach
Not only is Lanikai considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Hawaiian Islands, but also in the entire world.
Wrapped up by miles and miles of bright blue water and soft white sand, Lanikai offers views like no other. In fact, Lani Kai translates into “heavenly ocean” in Hawaiian language. Which is a pretty fitting description of what being here feels like!
Thanks to its calm waters, Lanikai is a perfect place for swimming. Kayaking is also a favorite activity to try while at Lanikai. And you can actually kayak your way to two small islands that sit close to the shore!
4. Punaluu Beach
Set right between Pahala and Na’a’ehu on the Big Island of Hawaii, Panauluu Beach is one of the seven black sand beaches on the island, all of whose dark-colored sand was created by lava from the nearby Kilauea Volcano.
Aside from admiring the natural wonder that is black sand, Punaluu Beach is also a popular spot to see endangered green turtles and hawksbill turtles. So make sure you keep your eyes out for them! Moreover, Punaluu also provides picnic spots, snorkeling opportunities, camping grounds, and various beautiful hiking trails.
5. Kapalua Beach
Back in the 90s, Kapalua beach was considered the best beach in the entire United States. While that’s no longer the case, it still remains one of the most beautiful beaches in Maui and entire Hawaii.
Kapalua provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to experience a classic Hawaiian beach feel. With a palm-fringed shore featuring golden sand. And blue waters as clear as they can get. The weather and environment on this northern part of Maui is also something to see. As it’s vastly different than the beaches a bit south.Â
A popular activity at Kapalua is simply relaxing under the sun’s rays, but snorkeling here is another prime thing to do, especially for first-timers. Thanks to the fact that there is a coral reef located right by the shore, you can spot tons of colorful fish and even a few sea turtles without having to stray too far away from the shore.
6. Makalawena Beach
If you’re into quiet beaches and usually prefer to go to places away from the typical tourist route, Makalawena Beach is a perfect place to do just that.
Set on Hawaii’s Big Island, Makalawena is located pretty close to Kekaha Kai State Park, making it a great destination to combine beach and nature on a day trip.
Despite its unraveled beauty, this beach still remains a bit of a hidden gem due to the fact that it’s a bit tough to reach it. To get to it, you will either need to drive on a 4×4 or walk for about half an hour from the parking lot. Still, once you get there, the extra effort is definitely worth your while!
Are you currently planning your beach-hopping adventure in Hawaii? Which of these beaches sparks your interest the most? You can’t go wrong and won’t be disappointed in any of the choices! I’d love to know which one of them you are most excited to check out, so let me know in the comment section below!Â
Big Sur is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful drives in California (if not the entire world). With a rugged coastline lining the west and towering mountains to the east, stunning views galore are guaranteed the entire length of the road trip. Even though the drive is relatively short at just 90 miles, a Big Sur road trip is all about the incredibly beautiful destinations and activities offered every mile of the way. Simply put, a Big Sur road trip is all about the journey rather than a destination! If you’re feeling overwhelmed while planning your Big Sur road trip, here’s an excellent route and itinerary you can follow. Not only will this itinerary have you seeing the very best of Big Sur, but you can also adapt the amount of time you spend at each spot to your needs!
The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary
Carmel
Carmel is a small town with a village feel that makes for the perfect starting point of the road trip and an ideal pit stop to do some last-minute shopping to prepare before hitting the road.
Carmel’s picturesque vibes can be felt every step you take through its narrow cobblestone streets. With petite cottages draped in greenery and flowers, cute boutique shops offering all sorts of local goodies, and the sound of the waves crashing in the background, a visit to this quaint little town will have you wondering if you’ve stepped inside a storybook!
Time Required: 1 to 2 days
Bixby Bridge
Offering sweeping views of the California coastline, Bixby Bride is one of the most iconic stops to make on a Big Sur road trip. Its unique location offers views of the canyon on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, making it a must-stop to snap a picture and take in the views!
Time Required: A few minutes
Andrew Molera State Park
Compared to other parks along the Big Sur region, Andrew Molera State Park is quite untouched and thus offers an authentic immersion into the nature of the place (plus incredible vistas of Monterey Bay below!).Â
Even though you could easily decide to spend the day laying at the beach here, the best way to explore the park is by putting on your hiking shoes and hitting a trail (or several of them!). Meadows, hilltops, bluffs, and dreamy beaches are all examples of the views you’ll get to see while hiking through Andrew Molera State Park!
For a pretty easy trail full of both beach views and forest goodness, the Bluffs Trail is an excellent choice to test out your skills. If you’re eager for a challenge, you can continue further up to the Panorama Trail, which is a bit steeper but well worth the effort as it provides the most magical views of the coast down below!
Time Required: 1 to 2 days
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
A Big Sur road trip is all about ocean views, but there’s one place in particular with no coast that’s also worth checking out: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Located on the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains, this state park is all about hikes by the river surrounded by maples, redwoods, conifers, and other flora. If you’re a wildlife buff, this is probably the best place in Big Sur to spot fauna (keep your eyes out for bobcats, black-tail deer, and a huge variety of birds!)
Required: 1 to 2 days
Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most unique places to visit while on your Big Sur road trip, especially if you love epic sunsets. Believe it or not, this glorious beach boasts a striking natural rock arch and purple sand (yes, you read that right!).
Pfeiffer Beach is located roughly two miles south of Pfeiffer State Park, but make sure you plan a bit more time to get there as the road can be a bit tricky to navigate. Once you get to Pfeiffer Beach, though, its beauty will make every twist and turn worth the effort.
Insider tip: Try to visit Pfeiffer Beach for sunset, when the last rays of the sun cut through Keyhole Arch, painting the most magical scene ever!
Time Required: Half a day
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is quite likely one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of coastline and a favorite stop for most Big Sur road trippers.
With the 80 feet McWay Falls crashing down from cliffs straight into the ocean, enchanting hidden beach coves, lush forests you can walk through, and the most incredible vistas Big Sur has to offer, Julia Pfeiffer makes for a grand finale to your Big Sur road trip.
Even though McWay Falls is usually the main reason most people visit the park, do try to spend at least an entire day exploring it to the fullest. On the menu of things to do are fabulous coastline hikes, walks through alluring forests, and even searching for the remains of an authentic shipwreck.
Required Time: 1 day
I hope this itinerary gave you a better outline of the must-do stops during your Big Sur road trip. The best thing about driving down this area of California is the fact that the locations are close to each other, so you can easily adjust the amount of time you want to stay at each place depending on how many days you have to dedicate to the trip!
Striking desert landscapes are the staples of Arizona. So much that, in fact, The Grand Canyon State is the only state in the USA that houses four entirely different desert regions. Each with its own distinctive scenery, fauna, and flora. If you’re currently plotting a trip to Arizona, chances are you’re extremely excited to experience a true adventure in the desert. With so many incredible places to choose from, though, I bet you’re having a pretty tough time deciding where to go! If you’re a first-timer to travel in Arizona or you’ve visited but haven’t seen much outside the cities, here are some of the best places in Arizona to visit for all things desert magic.
Places in Arizona You’ve Got to Visit for Desert Magic
1. Monument Valley
Shared between Utah and Arizona, Monument Valley is an icon of American Southwest Scenery.
Made up of towering sandstone formations, striking mesas, and captivating buttes. The desert landscape you’ll find at Monument Valley is so incredibly beautiful that it has been the setting of countless movies, including 2001: Space Odyssey, Stagecoach, The Lone Star Ranger, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and Forrest Gump (to name just a few!)
The most popular way to explore the landscape of Monument Valley is by driving the 17-mile scenic road that winds through the area. But if you want to explore further afield, you can also choose to hike a few of the trails in the park. If you’re keen to go deeper, you can also book a guided tour of Monument Valley. Where a Navajo will take you beyond marked areas.
2. Saguaro National Park
Set close to Tucson, Saguaro National Park is a sea of gorgeous desert scenery towered by enormous saguaro cacti.
Saguaro cacti are commonly nicknamed “the kings of the Sonoran Desert”. Known to grow as tall as 50 feet, these desert giants can live up to 200 years. And Saguaro National Park is one of the very few places in the world where you can see them in their natural habitat.
Besides the gorgeous desert scenery that blankets the park, Saguaro National Park also homes mountains and pine forests. Which pretty much guarantees you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to choosing what to see and what adventures to take on!
As if that weren’t reason enough to visit, Saguaro is also known for being the home to unique desert wildlife. Be it on a hike or during a scenic drive. Encounters with animals like deer, coyotes, javelinas, and desert tortoises are quite common!
3. Canyon De Chelly National Monument
Looking for a lesser-crowded alternative to the Grand Canyon? Canyon De Chelly is a wonderful choice!
Set in northwestern Arizona, Canyon De Chelly is a humongous canyon that sits in the heart of the Navajo Indian Reserve. During your visit, you won’t only get to see striking landscapes and unique geology. But you’ll also get the chance to get close and personal with Native American culture.
What makes Canyon De Chelly so unique is the fact that the canyon and the area around it have been continually inhabited for thousands of years and up to the present. Today, this national monument continues to be the home to Navajo people. Which will give you the chance to learn more about them. As well as see and explore ruins from the canyon’s first inhabitants, the Anazaki and Puebloans.
4. Sedona
Sedona may just be the most sought-after destination for Arizona desert magic. Thanks to the town’s location close to some of the most beautiful state parks and hiking trails in the entire state, Sedona is the perfect gateway for those looking to explore the desert while also enjoying city-like amenities and culture.
Think sweeping river canyons, maze-like rock formations, desert spires piercing the sky, and a landscape of red rock to get a pretty good picture of what the scenery around Sedona is all about. Among the most popular things to do here include hiking in the desert, checking out vortex sites. Driving in search of unique landmarks, and even checking out a cathedral located atop red rocks!
5. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Tucked away in the middle of the striking Sonoran Desert, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is the only place in the entire United States where organ pipe cacti grow in their natural habitat.Â
Organ pipe cactus look quite similar to saguaros. But instead of consisting of one trunk, organ pipes have several, making them look even more impressive!
Aside from its glorious landscape dotted with organ pipes, the park is also home to several archeological sites. As well as unique desert flora and wildlife, including Gila monsters and rattlesnakes.
6. Bandelier National Monument
Way back in time, what we know today as Bandolier National Monument was the home to Ancestral Puebloans before they moved to the Rio Grande Valley. For that reason, the area that makes up this national monument is considered sacred. And is protected in order to preserve the wonderful history of the Pueblo people.
The park is made up of sweeping canyons and glorious desert mesas. As you explore them, you’ll also come across ancient petroglyphs and cliff dwellings. Which will give you the chance to glimpse into what life 10,000 years ago at Bandelier was like!
Are you currently planning a trip to explore Arizona’s deserts? If so, which of these destinations are you looking forward to visiting the most? Let me know in the comment section below!
days prior to us traveling to pack a few surprises for them that they get to do on the flight.
days prior to us traveling to pack a few surprises for them that they get to do on the flight.
harbors a pretty laid back vibe and calm atmosphere.
where one of the most crucial events in the history of the United States took place.
want to explore one of its most emblematic natural landmarks as well as get glimpses into its royal past.
a part of it, its residents still stay loyal to their Polynesian heritage and culture.
to get acquainted with the area’s coffee culture than by visiting the place it comes from.
Oahu.
island, all of whose dark-colored sand was created by lava from the nearby Kilauea Volcano.
remains one of the most beautiful beaches in Maui and entire Hawaii.
and nature on a day trip.
ideal pit stop to do some last-minute shopping to prepare before hitting the road.
love epic sunsets. Believe it or not, this glorious beach boasts a striking natural rock arch and purple sand (yes, you read that right!).
cacti.
close to some of the most beautiful state parks and hiking trails in the entire state, Sedona is the perfect gateway for those looking to explore the desert while also enjoying city-like amenities and culture.
place in the entire United States where organ pipe cacti grow in their natural habitat.Â
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